#BeautySchool: How to Apply Fake Eyelashes Like a Pro

Question: What's a surefire way to successfully apply false lashes at home?

Answer: First, decide whether you want to use individual lashes or a full strip. Strips are easier for the average person to apply on their own, but they also give a more dramatic, defined night-out look, while individuals are more customizable and give a more natural finish. The best trick, according to MAC Senior Artist Gisel Calvillo, "is to grab your mirror and place it below your glare as if you were staring down at it." Then, if you're using a strip, "remove it from the case and bend it back and forth so it's easier to adjust to your eye shape." Using your fingers, glue it down in the center first, then bend it and secure at the outer and inner corners and cut off any excess length. "Pinch the falsies with your own to ensure they sit directly on top of one another," says Calvillo. Individuals are easier to apply with tweezers and Calvillo recommends placing a few longer ones between the center lashes and a few at the outer corner. "If you have already added eyeliner and eye shadow to elongate eyes, adding the longest piece in center will open up the eyes so that you create balance from the center and the outer corner. If you are not applying eyeliner or eye shadow, you can add the longest pieces in outer corner to elongate eyes for a more almond shape." Let the glue set for five minutes, then bind the faux lashes to your natural ones with mascara.

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